How to make a flash on a call on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14/13/12

Flashing the camera when you call or notify is a useful feature that helps you not miss an important call, especially in a noisy room or when the phone is lying down. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines), this option is hidden in the settings or not at all on new models with MIUI 14/13. Why this happens and how to get around the restrictions, we will discuss in this guide.

Many users have a problem: once the firmware update is updated, the flash stops working when calling, even though everything used to be fine, because Xiaomi is gradually removing this feature from the standard settings, considering it redundant, but it can be returned through hidden menus, third-party apps or even physical modification (for advanced users), we have collected all the relevant methods, from simple to complex, that work on models from 2020 to 2026.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the configuration algorithm may be different, in which case check for the feature in the Settings menu → Special Features → Notifications, or install the Xposed/Magisk module to enhance the features.

1. Standard method: setup via MIUI menu

On most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and below, the flash can be enabled through standard settings. However, this item is often missing in MIUI 13/14. If your model supports the "native" function, follow the instructions:

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on your desktop) and go to the Sounds and Vibrations section, and you can find the Notification Flash submenu or Light Effects submenu here. On some devices (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the path may look like this:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flash notifications

If there is no point, try an alternative route:

Settings → Applications → Notification Management → Additional → Flash

Turn on the switch next to the flash on call or light indication option. Then check the function by calling the phone from another device. The flash should flash at intervals of ~1 second.

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13 The newer standard flash setting may not be available due to optimizing power consumption.

If the function is activated but the flash is not working:

• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, the system can block the LED.
• 📱 Make sure that the camera is not used by another app (e.g. TikTok or Instagram).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes resetting temporary settings helps.

2. Hidden MIUI settings: how to enable flash through the engineering menu

If the standard method didn’t work, try activating the feature through the engineering menu (Hidden settings Xiaomi).This method works on 80% of devices, but requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the system.

To enter the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636## on some models).
3. Select the Hardware Testing option → LED.

In the menu that opens, look for options related to Flashlight or Notification LED. Turn them on and save the settings. If the menu is in English, look for items:

• 🔦 Torchlight Test - flash test.
• 🔔 Notification Light – Notification light.

Once activated, restart your phone. If the flash is running but flashes too often or weakly, go back to the engineering menu and adjust the Flash Duration and Interval settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for Europe) the engineering menu can be blocked. In this case, use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Hidden Menu (for Snapdragon).

3. Flash management applications: top-5 utility

If system settings don’t work, install a third-party app. We tested the top 5 utilities that work on Xiaomi with MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14. All of them are free, but some contain ads.

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it’s not in your area).
2. Launch the utility and grant permissions for Notifications, Camera and Phone.
3. In the application settings, enable Flash on Call or Notification Light.
4. Adjust the frequency of flashing and brightness (if available).

On the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro some applications may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. ADB-commands (section 5) or root access.

Download APK source|Check the reviews on compatibility with your model|Disable battery optimization for utility|Provide all requested permits-->

4. Adjustment via ADB: for advanced users

If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can force the flash on calls even if it's not in the settings, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via cable and install Xiaomi USB Drivers.
4. Download ADB Tools (such as Platform Tools) and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
6. Execute the command to turn on flash when calling: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

After you execute the command, restart your phone. If the flash doesn't work, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put secure flash_notification 1

To reverse the changes, use the same commands by replacing 1 with 0.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 14) these commands may not work due to the manufacturer's lock, in which case root access or custom firmware will be required.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows or using scrcpy to check the connection.

5. Root access and custom firmware: radical methods

If none of the previous methods worked, there are two options:

1. Getting root rights and manual editing of system files.
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where the flash function is implemented at the kernel level.

To get root on Xiaomi:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and waits 7-15 days).
• 📱 Install. TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox for your model.
• 🔧 Get Magisk through Recovery.

After obtaining root rights, edit /system/build.prop file by adding a line:

ro.config.flash_notification=true

Change the settings in /system/cust/properties.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Download the appropriate version of Pixel Experience or LineageOS for your model from the XDA Developers forum.
2. Make a backup of data through TWRP.
3. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

In custom firmware, the flash function when calling is usually available in the Settings menu → Notifications → Lighting effects.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader and getting root rights reset all data and can take away warranties. 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) process complicated due to anti-Rollback protection.

💡

Castom firmware not only returns flash when calling, but also improves performance, removes advertising in MIUI and extends support for outdated models.

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If none of the methods worked, consider alternative ways to avoid missing a call:

• 🔔 Vibration. + Melody: Set up a unique vibration in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration on the bell.
• 📱 Always On Display (AOD): Enable notifications to be displayed on the locked screen (available on Xiaomi with a AMOLED-display).
• 🎵 Loud Melodies: Set maximum volume for calls to Settings → Sounds.
• 🔌 Smartwatch: Connect Mi Band or Amazfit – it vibrates when an incoming call is made.

For owners of POCO F5 and Xiaomi 14, there is another life hack: use automation through Google Assistant.

If [incoming call]




Then [Lunch on for 10 seconds]

To do this, say in your voice, “OK Google, create a routine for calling,” and follow the instructions.

If you are critically important flash, but it is not possible to turn on software, consider buying an external light indicator (for example, Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp), which syncs with your smartphone via Mi Home.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak when calling on Xiaomi